When you or someone close to you is being treated for cancer, it is very important to be properly informed about the medications being given. Because knowing exactly about the medication gives you a lot of strength to face the treatment process. Today we are going to talk about one such specific anti-cancer drug, Idelalisib.
What is Idelalisib?
Simply put, Idelalisib (pronounced: I-DEL-a-li-sib) is a drug used to treat a type of cancer called Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) . It is most commonly marketed under the brand name Zydelig .
This is not like a regular cancer drug. We call this `targeted therapy`. That is, this drug directly targets the proteins that are necessary for the growth of cancer cells and stops them from functioning. It is like turning off a `power switch` in cancer cells. This causes relatively little damage to healthy cells.
Importantly, this drug is not typically used as first-line therapy for CLL. It is started after other treatments have failed, and on the recommendation of a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor .
- If you currently have an infection (such as fever, cough, cold).
- If you have liver disease .
- If you have a lung or breathing disease (e.g. asthma).
- If you have skin conditions or sensitivities .
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to idelalisib or any other medicine, food, or dye .
- If you are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are breastfeeding a child .
Based on this information, it will be easier for your doctor to decide whether this medicine is right for you or not.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly.
- Swallow this tablet whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Doing so may affect the effectiveness of the medicine.
- Take the medicine only at the time and in the prescribed amount as prescribed by the doctor. Do not skip doses or take them too often.
- Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without medical advice.
- When you are given medication, you will receive a special information leaflet (MedGuide) with it. Always read it carefully. It contains a lot of important information.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Don't worry if you forget to take your medicine. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 6 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose. Skip it and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Idelalisib is a drug that can interact with many other medications. Therefore, it is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking. Taking some medications with this drug can cause serious side effects.
| Possible drug interactions with Idelalisib | |
|---|---|
| ❌ Never take Idelalisib with these medications | |
alfuzosin, conivaptan, eletriptan, eplerenone, flibanserin, isavuconazonium, ivabradine, lurasidone, naloxegol, simvastatin, tolvaptan, triazolam, ubrogepant | |
| ⚠️ If you are taking these medications, be sure to tell your doctor. | |
| Drug type | Examples |
| Anxiety medication | midazolam |
| Antifungal | ketoconazole |
| Cholesterol-lowering medications | atorvastatin, lovastatin |
| Medication for high blood pressure | amlodipine, felodipine, nifedipine |
| Anticoagulants | warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban |
| Medicine for tuberculosis | rifampin |
Important: This is not a complete list. Tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you take. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about while taking the medicine
You need to pay a little more attention to your body while taking this medicine.
- Regular medical checkups: Go to the clinics exactly on the days your doctor tells you. You may need to have regular blood work done to monitor your condition.
- Serious Skin Reactions: Serious skin reactions can occur even weeks after starting this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you develop a rash with symptoms similar to a fever or cold . These rashes may turn red or purple, then blister and the skin may start to peel. Also, if you notice swelling of the face, lips, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits, this could be a serious sign.
- Risk of Infection: This medicine may lower your body's immunity a little. Therefore, the risk of developing infections is higher. If you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, or sore throat , do not self-medicate and talk to your doctor. Try to stay away from people who are sick.
Special awareness about pregnancy and breastfeeding
This is a very important matter.
- Women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 1 month after stopping. Tell your doctor right away if you are thinking about becoming pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
- Men: Avoid fathering a child while you are taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping.
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine and for 1 month after stopping.
This is because this medicine can cause serious harm to the unborn baby.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Idelalisib can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are mild.
| 🚨 Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately |
|---|
|
| 👍 Things to tell your doctor if they are usually not serious, but persist |
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Take-Home Message
- Idelalisib is a very important medication that should be taken under the close supervision of your doctor. Take the correct dose, at the correct time.
- Give your doctor a complete description of all other medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking.
- Avoid becoming pregnant while taking the medication and for a certain period of time after stopping (this applies to both women and men).
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects, such as fever, severe skin rashes, or difficulty breathing.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, don't keep it to yourself, but ask your doctor.
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